International Women's Day 2024
International Women's Day (IWD) 2024, marks 113 years since the first IWD in March 1911, one could be forgiven for pondering whether it is a time for concern, or a time for celebration? The former because of how it reminds us of how long the struggle for gender equality has been ongoing, or the latter in acknowledgement of the progress that has been made in addressing gender inequality in Irish Higher Education and the opportunity to celebrate female achievement.
The campaign theme for #internationalwomensday2024 is #inspireinclusion, with IWD 2024 promotions describing the campaign theme in the following terms:
“When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment”.
In a world where currently it seems more fashionable to criticise and even demonise difference, there is something really uplifting in the call to #inspire #inclusion .
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Firstly, in the context of a century plus pursuit of gender equality, it is notable that we are now talking about real and genuine inclusion. Not merely tolerance, or respect, but real and meaningful inclusion which fosters that sense of belonging and empowerment described above. Secondly, we know from experience in developing and implementing gender action plans that inclusion is not one dimensional. A university environment that promotes inclusive values and behaviours, strategies and policies, albeit that these may be grounded in a focus on gender equality, will also carry through and benefit other groups.
So as we mark IWD 2024, conscious that there is still lots of work to be done to forge more progressive mindsets and inclusive behaviours, let’s take time to celebrate and ~inspire inclusion. We congratulate colleagues throughout the sector who are running a range of exciting and inspirational events to mark IWD2024.
- Tony Mc Mahon, Associate Director for HR and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at the Irish Universities Association.